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Philanthropy News from Hasbro Children's Hospital

Spirit Halloween staff and Hasbro Children’s Hospital leadership celebrate Spirit’s $103,066 donation to the hospital – the company’s largest since they began raising funds locally for the hospital in 2011. The gift will benefit the hospital’s child life program.

Spirit Halloween Donates $103,066

Although temperatures just one day earlier hovered in single digits, Halloween was on everyone’s mind when local Spirit Halloween representatives presented Hasbro Children’s Hospital leadership with a $103,066 donation on January 22.

The funds were raised through the company’s “Spirit of Children” program, which recognizes its national commitment to children’s health and was created to provide financial support to children’s hospitals. More than a dozen local area Spirit Halloween locations earmarked their funds to benefit Hasbro Children’s child life program. The total raised in 2018 represents a more than 35 percent increase over 2017.

“From the Halloween parties they host for patients throughout our hospital each October, to the incredible amount of funds they raise on our behalf, Spirit Halloween is a true partner in our work,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Every family comes through our doors with some level of trepidation, and it’s our child life team that is simply amazing at making them feel more comfortable. We are so grateful for this gift.”

Beginning in mid-September and continuing through the end of October, customers who purchased their costumes and Halloween décor at local Spirit Halloween stores were given two opportunities to support Hasbro Children’s. In addition to offering a coupon for 10 percent off their purchase —which Spirit donates back to the hospital — customers are invited to make a voluntary donation while checking out.

Hasbro Children’s child life program helps to provide young patients with a sense of normalcy during hospitalization by engaging in play, storytelling, arts and crafts, and music. Certified child life specialists also help to educate patients and their families about a child’s illness and what to expect during a test or procedure in non-scary ways.

Since 2011, “Spirit of Children” has raised $440,998 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Overall, the program has generated in excess of $54 million for 141 hospitals across the United States and Canada.

Hasbro Children’s Hospital Named Local Beneficiary of Balise Subaru’s “Share the Love” Event

With the season of giving in full swing, Balise Subaru is once again focusing its charitable efforts on Hasbro Children’s Hospital, selecting the hospital as the local beneficiary of the auto company’s national “Share the Love” event. It’s the fourth straight holiday season the West Warwick-based dealership is giving its customers an opportunity to support the area’s leading pediatric hospital.

Through January 2, 2019, Subaru will donate $250 for every new vehicle sold or leased to the purchaser’s choice of benefitting charities. Committed to making a difference locally, the Balise Subaru staff jointly decided to support Hasbro Children’s Hospital, which has overwhelmingly been customers’ charity of choice since the partnership began in 2015.

In addition to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Balise Subaru’s “Share the Love” event will also benefit national charities, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels America, and the National Park Foundation.

“Our partnership with Hasbro Children’s Hospital is one we hold near and dear to our hearts,” said Derek Power, General Manager of Balise Subaru. “To see our associates and our customers come together during the holiday season for the common goal of supporting the hospital is incredible. We hope to make this year’s donation the largest yet.”

During last year’s “Share the Love” event, Balise Subaru raised $28,077 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital, bringing its three-year total to nearly $100,000. The generosity of Balise and its customers has helped to support the hospital’s areas of greatest need across patient care, medical equipment, and research.

Young patients at the Samuels Sinclair Dental Center in Providence now can make a grand entrance for their appointments thanks to the generosity of the Newport Car Museum, located in Portsmouth.

On Monday, November 26, museum representatives made a special visit to the center, donating a mini electric car (a pink Henes Broon F830) so its patients can ‘drive’ themselves to an exam room for their appointment. During the presentation of the car, Celia Furtado, age 8, of Cranston, and a longtime patient of the dental center, was all smiles as the first to sit behind the wheel.

“Much like going to the hospital, we know a trip to the dentist can lead to nervousness for many children,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “That our dental center now has this amazing ride-on vehicle available to patients will no doubt result in wide smiles and less anxiety as kids drive down its hallways. We are beyond grateful to the Newport Car Museum for both its generosity and understanding the extras that make a big difference for patients.”

The November donation is the second battery-operated vehicle gifted by the museum this fall to help kids. In September, the Newport Car Museum donated a red mini electric car to Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. Both cars feature an integrated tablet PC smart system.

“We are fortunate to have Hasbro Children’s Hospital in our state and we wanted to give back in appreciation of all they do for our community, including providing dental services for so many families,” said Newport Car Museum’s Vincent Moretti. “When people visit the Newport Car Museum, they put aside whatever is happening in their lives to spend time enjoying the art of the car. We wanted to foster that same feeling in kids – that with the mini electric cars, they’d be thinking about driving, instead of being at the dentist’s office or in the hospital.”

The electric ride-on vehicles were purchased to bring smiles to children from funds raised through the museum’s Fast Five raffle event. Leading up to its September showing of Fast Five – the fifth installment in The Fast and the Furious movie series – the museum sold raffle tickets to members of the community for a chance to ride to lunch with the museum founders in the Ford GT40 used in the film’s famous train heist scene. The blue Ford muscle car is a recent addition to the museum’s impressive collection.

While waiting for her dental appointment, Valery Garcia, 2, was eager to take a spin in the dental center’s new pink Henes Broon F830 mini electric car, donated by the Newport Car Museum.

Celia Furtado, of Cranston, gives a smile of approval as she checks out the mini electric car donated to the Samuels Sinclair Dental Center by the Newport Car Museum.

Patients Enjoy Early Taste of Halloween Thanks to Volunteers from Spirit Halloween

Although Halloween was still two weeks away, the date on the calendar didn’t stop patients at Hasbro Children’s Hospital from enjoying an early taste of the spooky holiday on October 17 – thanks to our friends from Spirit Halloween and their “Spirit of Children” program.

Throughout the afternoon, Spirit Halloween volunteers hosted special parties for hospitalized children in the playrooms located on the hospital’s 4th, 5th, and 6th floors, joining them in Halloween-themed activities, including face-painting, and crafts. There was extra excitement in the air as each child got to pick out a costume to keep as a special gift.

Spirit Halloween has been a longtime supporter of Hasbro Children’s Hospital, organizing an annual in-store fundraiser in addition to hosting Halloween parties. Through October 31, customers who purchase their costumes at local Spirit Halloween can receive 10% off their purchase using this coupon. Spirit Halloween will donate the 10% to our hospital.

Funds raised by local Spirit Halloween stores benefit Hasbro Children’s Child Life program, which helps to provide patients with a sense of normalcy during hospitalization through play and storytelling. Certified Child Life Specialists also work to educate patients and their families about a child’s illness and what to expect during a test or procedure in non-scary ways.

Since the partnership began, Spirit Halloween has raised $337,932 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. We, and our patients, are very grateful for their generous and ongoing support!

After picking out what he called a “really cool” ninja costume, 5-year-old Alexander got to work painting a pumpkin.

Joined by her parents, Adam and Carissa, Abigail was the youngest patient to enjoy the Spirit Halloween party, immediately wanting to wear her new baby shark costume.

Members of the Spirit Halloween team who helped patients enjoy an early taste of Halloween.
From left: Keri Andrade, Jen Zilka, Kieran Meehan, Ken Soares, and Sheila Vaillancourt.

Spirit of Children Supports the Child Life Program

Once again Spirit of Children is offering a 10-percent discount on purchases made online and in local Spirit Halloween stores and donating the money back to the child life department at Hasbro Children's Hospital. Get Coupon.

Spirit of Children’s mission is to make hospitals less scary for kids and their families through support of the child life departments at partner hospitals in local communities, which includes Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Since 2007, Spirit of Children has raised $45 million to provide child life funding for art, music, aquatic and pet therapy programs as well as the purchase of educational items and toys used for distraction during medical procedures, and much more. 100 percent of every dollar donated supports the child life department.

This year, one of New England’s longest-standing traditions partnered with the area’s leading pediatric hospital to help make a difference in the lives of young patients. During its five-day run from August 15 to 19, The Washington County Fair offered patrons a number of ways to donate to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, with the community coming together to raise $26,000.

Dubbed the “FUNdraiser” of Rhode Island’s largest agricultural event, The Washington County Fair and Rockwell Amusements joined forces to offer guests a complimentary merry-go-round ride for a minimum $2 donation to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Taking their generosity one step further, The Washington County Fair and Rockwell Amusements both matched the first $2,500 in donations. The merry-go-round was introduced to the fair this year specifically for the “FUNdraiser,” and was enjoyed by several thousand families.

“We were thrilled to have had the opportunity to partner with Rockwell Amusements on this fundraiser for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The fair has been focused on giving back to our community, local 4H and FFA clubs since its inception, and prides itself in providing a safe place for children and their families to have fun, learn, and experience farm life,” commented Roxanne Nelson, Co-Chairman of The Washington County Fair. “The decision was unanimous when Harold Fera of Rockwell Amusements approached the fair committee on his proposed partnership with Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Almost everyone in our community knows someone who has been treated at the hospital, and we are proud to have supported and served our community this year through our fundraising efforts. I’d like to thank all who were involved, especially the patrons, for making this fundraiser a major success.”

Visitors also had the opportunity to donate to Hasbro Children’s Hospital across the fair’s sprawling concessions area as 25 food vendors participated in a “food booth challenge” to see who could raise the most money. The challenge generated $9,895.82 of the total raised for the hospital, with the Hope Valley Fire Department booth winning the friendly competition by raising $2,465.

“We could not be more grateful to The Washington County Fair and Rockwell Amusements, not only for their generosity, but for also making our hospital such an important focus of this year’s event,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Just as people come from all over our region to enjoy the fair, families across southern New England rely on our hospital for their children’s care – it is beyond heartwarming to see our community respond with such kindness on behalf of the kids who need us most.”

The lower level of Hasbro Children’s Hospital was filled with excitement on Tuesday, August 21, when more than two dozen local Walmart associates joined hospital leadership and the hospital’s 2018 Champion Child to kick-off this year’s fundraising campaign.

Beginning on August 27, and continuing through September 30, all Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts Walmart locations will offer its customers a convenient way to support our area’s leading pediatric hospital. At checkout, Walmart associates will invite customers to make a voluntary donation of $1 or more to their shopping total; 100 percent of the donation directly goes to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Walmart is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) partner and Hasbro Children’s is the region’s member hospital.

During the kick-off, Walmart associates were introduced to 4-year-old Champion Child Paige Alston and her parents, Amber and Cliff. Paige was born with an abdominal wall defect known as omphalocele, as well as an atrial septal defect. She spent the first 180 days of her life at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and has undergone 24 procedures to-date.

Throughout this year’s Walmart campaign, Paige’s face will adorn the display posters at each register, encouraging customers to support Hasbro Children’s Hospital and make a difference in kids’ lives.

As the kick-off event came to a close, the Alston family and Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital, presented local Walmart associates with framed artwork featuring Paige.

Since 1987, Walmart has been a dedicated CMNH partner, raising more than $1 billion nationally for member hospitals. Locally, Walmart raised $160,486 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in 2017, bringing its total support of the hospital to nearly $2.9 million since 2007. Their unwavering support has helped us purchase lifesaving equipment, undertake key renovation projects, and support programs that bring hope and healing to the patients and families who rely on our specialized care.

This year’s Dunkin’ Donuts’ Iced Coffee Day helped to raise $155,844 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital, making the 2018 effort one of the highest fundraising totals since its launch in 2010.

Held this year on Wednesday, May 23, Iced Coffee Day is Dunkin’ Donuts’ annual fundraiser to support Hasbro Children’s Hospital. For every iced coffee sold at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant locations in Rhode Island and Bristol County, Massachusetts, local Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees donated $1 to the hospital. The effort has now raised more than $2 million since inception.

“All of us at Dunkin’ Donuts are so proud of the results of this year’s Iced Coffee Day, and we thank our loyal customers for coming out to support the cause,” said Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee Joe Prazeres. “Hasbro Children’s Hospital is an invaluable organization that helps countless children and families across our region. We are thrilled to support them, and we are already looking forward to next year’s Iced Coffee Day.”

“Not only is Iced Coffee Day one of our hospital’s most important annual fundraisers, it also provides an opportunity for people across our communities to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients and their families,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Words alone cannot express our thanks to Dunkin’ Donuts, their franchisees and customers, for their continued generosity and support.”

This year’s Iced Coffee Day was jam-packed with special events and celebrity appearances throughout the market, including New England Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty; University of Rhode Island Men’s Basketball Head Coach David Cox; NBC’s The Voice star Emily Luther, and a number of local elected officials who volunteered their time to work the counters and drive-thru windows at are Dunkin’ Donuts.

Plus, for the first time this year, Dunkin’ Donuts partnered with Good Night Lights, the locally iconic tradition of shining lights toward Hasbro Children’s Hospital every night at 8:30 to let patients know we’re all thinking about them. As part of the partnership, Dunkin’ Donuts gave away free keychain flashlights to customers throughout the month of May, and hosted a large Good Night Lights signaling event in India Point Park the night of Iced Coffee Day.

“I’m proud of what Good Night Lights has become, and how it continues to grow. What started as one exchange between me and a patient at Hasbro Children's Hospital in 2010 has grown into a nightly ritual of support from people and businesses all across Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” said Good Night Lights founder and conductor Steve Brosnihan. “The fact that we see lights shining every night at 8:30 is a testament to the generous, caring hearts of Rhode Islanders, and all those who join the display. Big thanks to Dunkin’ Donuts for shining its own spotlight on this project and its volunteer community intent on raising the spirits of hospitalized children.”

Local Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees and Hasbro Children’s Hospital leadership and staff celebrate the results of this year’s Iced Coffee Day, which raised $155,844 for our hospital.

As part of celebrating the results of this year’s Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee Day, local franchisees and hospital leadership flashed Good Night Lights back to members of the community signaling goodnight to patients on Thursday, June 28.

Hasbro Children’s Hospital Receives New Motorized Cars for Patients to ‘Drive’ to Operating Room Thanks to Balise Motor Sales Group

Patients at Hasbro Children’s Hospital now have two new motorized options – in the form of a pink Chevrolet Camaro and a black Chevrolet Silverado – to drive themselves to the operating room prior to a procedure. The battery-operated ride-on vehicles were presented to the hospital on Wednesday, June 27, by representatives of Balise Motor Sales Group.

For more than 20 years, Hasbro Children’s has offered this feel-good opportunity to its patients through a various vehicles, including a ride-on tractor and an SUV. But once Balise learned that the hospital’s current offerings had racked up the miles and could be refreshed, they didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand. In the process, they also made a special request a reality.

“We know that no matter the procedure, kids and their families are usually nervous before surgery, which makes it wonderful to see them smiling as they drive down the hallway,” said Francois I. Luks, MD, PhD, Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s pediatric surgeon- in-chief. “We’ve had a number of patients ask for a pink car to use, and we didn’t have one until now. That Balise went the extra mile to gift us cars that will appeal to all children underscores their commitment to our hospital and to our patients. We are grateful for their support.”

The new Camaro and Silverado will be parked in the hospital’s pre- and post-anesthesia care units. The hospital’s current vehicles will also remain in use, giving patients a total of four vehicle options to choose from.

“It’s important to us that our partnership continues to enhance the experience of the patients and families who rely on Hasbro Children’s Hospital for their care,” said Balise Motor Sales owner and CEO, Jeb Balise. “Knowing these ride-on vehicles will provide joy during an otherwise stressful time means the world to us.”

Paige Alston, 4 of Coventry, gets ready to take the first ride in one of the hospital’s new motorized vehicles donated by Balise Motor Sales Group on Wednesday, June 27. The young girl has been a patient of Hasbro Children’s since birth, and has undergone 23 procedures after being born with an abdominal wall defect known as an omphalocele.

The Blue Angels Touch Down at Hasbro Children’s Hospital to Visit with Patients

Before taking to the sky high above Quonset Point on June 9 and 10 to wow tens of thousands of spectators at the annual Rhode Island Air Show, members of the Blue Angels touched down at Hasbro Children’s Hospital on Friday, June 8 to help lift the spirits of young patients.

Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the four Blue Angels team members presented a special gift to Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital, before heading to the 4th and 5th floors to meet patients.

Once upstairs, the team members went room-to-room, where they were met with smiling young faces and shared stories about their impressive stunts and high-flying jets.

Specializing in flying acrobatics, the Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron. Featuring officers who voluntarily serve on the team, each pilot stakes claim to having flown at least 1,250 tactical flight-jet hours. Since 1946, the prestigious group has flown for more than 260 million spectators.

In addition to the Blue Angels’ hospital visit, Hasbro Children’s Hospital will be the beneficiary of donations collected at the Air Show’s entrance each day. Since the partnership was established more than 20 years ago, in excess of $2 million has been collected and donated to the hospital.

Before heading to the 4th and 5th floors to visit with patients, members of the Blue Angels presented hospital president Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH with an autographed photo of the squadron flying over San Diego. From left: Andre Webb; Clarence Presley; Dr. Van Bree; Brandon Hempler; and Juan Guerra, MD.

B’Call Hooks, 9, received quite the surprise when he ran into members of the Blue Angels in the hallway of the 4th floor during their visit to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

A little tired after waking from a nap, Julian Pierre-Louis, 2, still wanted to meet our Blue Angels friends with his parents.

Shy at first, 2-year-old Sophia Mangione warmed up for this photo with the Blue Angels as the team made their rounds to each room on the hospital’s 4th and 5th floors.

1-year-old Troy “TJ” Rocha, of Taunton, was the youngest patient to receive a visit from members of the Blue Angels.

Flashing a bright smile, Kaitlyn Limoges, 9, poses for a photo with the Blue Angels who visited her hospital room on Friday, June 8 after showing them some of the drawings she had been working on.

For the third consecutive year, Hasbro Children’s was as a beneficiary of Balise Subaru’s annual winter “Share the Love” event, the automobile company’s signature national effort that encourages Subaru retailers to give back to their communities. The hospital was selected as the local beneficiary of the Balise campaign by the dealership’s staff, receiving a generous donation of $28,077.

“Subaru’s ‘Share the Love’ campaign is one of our favorite times of the year as it allows our team at Balise Subaru to use their skills selling vehicles to support the local community,” said Jeb Balise, owner and CEO of Balise Motor Sales. “The more cars we sell, the more money we raise, and we are grateful to our customers for rallying with us on behalf of Hasbro Children’s Hospital for a third consecutive year.”

Throughout the six weeks of “Share the Love” Subaru donated $250 for every vehicle sold or leased to the purchaser’s choice of benefitting charities. Along with Hasbro Children’s Hospital, charities included ASPCA®, Make-A-Wish®, Meals on Wheels America, and the National Park Foundation. Since first partnering with the hospital in 2015, Balise Subaru’s efforts have raised nearly $100,000 for Hasbro Children’s hospital in support of patient care, medical equipment, and research.

“We could not be more grateful to Balise Subaru for once again choosing our hospital as their local beneficiary, and for their customers’ response to supporting our work,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “So much of the care we provide is made possible thanks to philanthropy and a community that cares deeply for children; this gift will have a direct impact on our patients and their families.”

Annual Radiothon Raises $422,431 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Support of Patient Care

Over the course of 15 inspirational hours, Hasbro Children’s Hospital patients and their families shared stories of hope, strength, and healing during the hospital’s 14th annual Radiothon on Thursday, April 5.

Across Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts, a community of listeners inspired by stories of esophageal atresia, cerebral palsy, pediatric cancers and more came together to raise $422,431. The funds will support patient care, lifesaving programs, and research.

The Radiothon is a partnership between Cumulus Providence Radio Stations (92 PRO-FM, Lite Rock 105, News Talk 630 & 99.7 WPRO, and Hot 106) and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The event was broadcast live from Hasbro Children’s Hospital, beginning at 6:00 a.m. and continuing until 9:00 p.m., with more than 100 volunteers answering the phones to accept donations throughout the day.

“I could not be more grateful to our community for rallying together in support of the Radiothon and our kids, and for giving generously to our hospital,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “On behalf of the patients and families who depend on our hospital, my deepest thanks goes to Cumulus Providence for their dedication to making the Radiothon possible, and for engaging their listeners in this very personal and meaningful way.”

Throughout the event, listeners also followed the Radiothon through its Facebook page, where they were able to “meet” some of the families sharing their stories and view photos in real-time.

“Cumulus Providence is proud to partner with Hasbro Children’s Hospital on the annual Radiothon – our listeners and advertisers are incredibly generous to this important cause,” said Holly Paras, market manager for Cumulus Providence. “Hasbro Children’s Hospital touches the lives of so many children and families in southern New England. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of children in our community.”

Since its inception, the Radiothon has raised more than $8 million for Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Held on Thursday, April 5, and broadcast live from Hasbro Children’s Hospital in partnership with Cumulus Providence, the hospital’s 14th annual Radiothon raised $422,431 in support of patient care, lifesaving programs, and research.

Gemma Reall, who was treated for esophageal atresia at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, listens in as her parents, Tracey and Dennis, share the story of her medical journey during the Radiothon.

Three-year-old Henry Hynes, a patient of Hasbro Children’s Hospital, tries on a pair of headphones before joining his mother, Katy, on-air.

On Monday, April 30, Ronald McDonald House Providence celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Located on the hospital’s 4th floor, the family room is named in memory of “Little Ed” Holewiak, III and designed to provide patients and families with the comforts of home within the hospital setting.

Over the past decade, more than 18,000 families have enjoyed complimentary coffee, refreshments, meals, and snacks thanks to Panera Bread Seekonk, Vienna Bakery, Coca-Cola, and Blount Fine Foods. The room is beautifully furnished through the generosity of Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, making it a comfortable respite from the bustle of the hospital. Additionally, the Ronald McDonald Family Room offers a full kitchenette, laundry facility, and computers complimentary to families.

“We are thankful to all our supporters for allowing us to bring the mission of Ronald McDonald House Providence within the walls of Hasbro Children’s Hospital,” said Michael Fantom, CEO, RMH Providence. “This room was made possible with the support of the McDonald’s community and the staff of Hasbro Children’s Hospital, namely Myra Edens for being instrumental in bringing the family room to life – we look forward to serving many more families in the year to come.”

Just a few weeks past her fourth birthday and flashing a playful smile as the morning’s guest of honor, Paige Alston, of Coventry, RI, stood alongside her parents Amber and Cliff as the couple recalled their daughter’s difficult medical journey to guests gathered at Hasbro Children’s Hospital during an event on March 30.

Moments later, the hospital – who the Alstons credit with saving their daughter’s life – honored the young girl as the 2018 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Rhode Island Champion Child. To mark the occasion, Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital, presented Paige with a commemorative medal.

“Having an opportunity to recognize Paige for her strength and determination is a wonderful part of my job, but nothing beats seeing how well this beautiful little girl is doing today and how bright her future is,” said Dr. Van Bree. “We are so grateful to her parents for sharing their story – families like the Alstons are the best advocates for the life-saving work that happens here.”

Born with an omphalocele, an abdominal wall defect which caused Paige’s stomach, intestines and a portion of her liver to develop in a sac outside of her body, the young girl was also diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) shortly after birth. The ASD left Paige with a hole in the wall between her heart’s upper chambers, resulting in pulmonary hypertension.

At just three months of age, Paige underwent open-heart surgery and a tracheostomy to help her breathe. She spent the first 180 days of her life at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, much of it in the pediatric intensive care unit, before returning home with the assistance of a ventilator to begin her journey to recovery.

“Our care team at Hasbro Children’s Hospital is simply miracle workers; they not only saved our daughter’s life, but continue to care for and love her as though she was part of their family,” said Cliff Alston.

Added Amber Alston, “We are so proud of our warrior princess — Paige has taught us how strong we could be as parents and what the true meaning of love is. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to everyone at Hasbro Children’s for what they’ve made possible for our family.”

To date, Paige has undergone 23 procedures and requires monthly tracheotomy changes and maintenance. She no longer needs a ventilator and has a fully healthy heart, showing no remaining signs of pulmonary hypertension. Within the coming years, Paige will need to undergo an additional procedure at Hasbro Children’s to complete the final closure of her omphalocele, and, hopefully, the reversal of her tracheostomy.

Now in preschool, Paige is speaking and playing, and brightens the lives of everyone around her with her infectious smile and sense of resiliency – living each day to the fullest. As the 2018 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Rhode Island Champion, she will spend the year as a pediatric ambassador, highlighting the work of Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Heroes Ball Raises $970,285 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital

On Saturday, March 3, Hasbro Children’s Hospital welcomed more than 700 guests to the Rhode Island Convention Center for its annual Heroes Ball. The signature event raised $970,285 in support of patient care, life-saving programs, research, education, and the evening’s fund-a-need focus – the transformation of the hospital’s outdoor healing garden and play areas.

The Heroes Ball was chaired for the second consecutive year by Robert Vincent, Executive Vice President of Administrative Services and External Relations for IGT and his wife, Grace. Guests were welcomed into the ballroom by Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., Chairman of the Lifespan Board of Directors and the Rhode Island Hospital Board of Trustees, who shined a spotlight on all the heroes in the room that night before introducing Woonsocket native and former contestant on NBC’s The Voice, Emily Luther, who sang a moving rendition of Rachel Platten’s song, Stand by You.

Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital, addressed guests next. “On so many levels, our hospital is more central to our region than ever – both within our walls and out in the community – and much of that is driven by the generosity of our donors. You have my deepest gratitude for all you make possible for our hospital, and for our patients and their families.”

During her remarks, Dr. Van Bree was joined on stage by 8-year-old Grace Gallonio, a patient of Hasbro Children’s Hospital who is now more than seven years cancer-free after being treated for a sacrococcygeal teratoma tumor shortly after her first birthday. As guest emcee, Grace lit up the room with her wide smile and enthusiasm while speaking to the large crowd.

Following Dr. Van Bree’s introduction of a video that captured what transforming the hospital’s outdoor space would mean to patients and families, she welcomed her second special guest to the podium, 8-year-old Talon Hobbs. At the age of four, Talon was treated at Hasbro Children’s for a Wilms' tumor. He recalled for the audience how difficult it was to spend all of his time inside while missing the fresh air and sunshine.

The evening’s auctioneer, Jimmy Tingle, presented the event’s live auction and fund-a-need blitz in support of the hospital’s healing garden. Among the auction items inspiring friendly bidding wars were a two night stay in New York City with four tickets to see Bruce Springsteen’s sold-out show on Broadway; a one-week stay for four in Tuscany, Italy with private driver, cooking classes and vineyard tours; and a Boston Red Sox luxury suite package for 20 to see the home team play the New York Yankees at Fenway Park in August.

“The outpouring of generosity by all of you in this room tonight has made possible another life-changing dimension in healing for our patients and their families,” said Phyllis A. Dennery, MD, Pediatrician-in-Chief of Hasbro Children’s Hospital as she announced the results of the auction and fund-a-need. “Nature truly is good medicine, and we cannot thank our donors enough for the incredible support that extends beyond the walls of our hospital,” added Francois I. Luks, MD, PhD, Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief.

After celebrating the night’s fundraising success, guests danced to the sounds of Sugarbabies, Inc., including a special performance of Soul Man, with members of hospital leadership jamming with the band.

Left to right: Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., Chairman of the Lifespan Board of Directors and the Rhode Island Hospital Board of Trustees; and Gerrie and Al Verrecchia.

Woonsocket native and former contestant on NBC’s The Voice, Emily Luther, performs a moving rendition of Rachel Platten’s song, Stand by You, at the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Heroes Ball on Saturday, March 3.

Eight-year-old Talon Hobbs, right, adds a personal touch to the painting Jeff Sparr, co-founder of Pawtucket-based PeaceLove Studios, created during the event’s cocktail reception and was later part of the night’s live auction.

Beginning on Friday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m., and continuing through 10:00 a.m. the following morning, more than 115 Salve Regina University students danced the night away at Ochre Court in Newport, raising $20,207 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Dubbed locally the “SalveTHON,” the 14-hour event was part of the nationwide Miracle Network Dance Marathon, which raises money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, of which Hasbro Children’s is a proud member.

For weeks leading up to the “SalveTHON,” students secured donations from family and friends based on the amount of time they’d spend at the event. Students also organized fundraising activities for the night itself, including games and snacks. Dance participants could also make a donation to the cause if they wanted to take a quick nap to recharge during the overnight hours. Students and university faculty welcomed hospital patients Jeannette Finch and Evan Huddon and their families to participate in the festivities.

Across the country, Miracle Network Dance Marathons unite college, university, and high school students to raise funds and awareness for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The more than $20,000 raised represents the university’s most successful “SalveTHON” to date, exceeding the $18,000 generated in 2017.

Football season may be over, but that didn’t stop the local team from being the center of attention when star tight end Rob Gronkowski, along with his father and brothers, took time to visit Hasbro Children’s Hospital patients on Tuesday, February 13. In addition to putting smiles on the faces of children, the Gronkowski family presented hospital leadership with a gift of $25,000 from the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation.

The Gronkowskis’ visit was part of a daylong trek to children’s hospitals across New England, making donations in Massachusetts and Maine before arriving in Rhode Island. Leading up to this year’s AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, Gronk Nation sold t-shirts and held two online raffles, giving fans a chance to win tickets to the games. Proceeds from the raffles were earmarked for three local children’s hospitals, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.

“There is no question that today is a day our patients and their families will never forget,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “We could not be more thankful to Rob and the entire Gronkowski family, not only for their incredible generosity and commitment to kids, but also for the gift of their time.”

During the Gronkowskis’ visit to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rob and his brothers spent time in the family room on the hospital’s sixth floor, where they colored with patients, posed for photos, and signed autographs. The Gronkowskis then visited patients on the hospital’s fifth floor, where the tight end made more than a few new fans. In one of the afternoon’s most emotional moments, Gronkowski autographed a jersey for Jonathan Mastriano, 14, after the young boy told him he wore it while watching the Super Bowl from his hospital room.

“My family and I were happy to support Rhode Island’s Hasbro Children’s Hospital,” said Rob Gronkowski. “We had a great time yesterday meeting both the children and staff, especially making Valentine’s Day cards.”

Anna Kitada, 12, of Smithfield (left), takes a break from coloring with Dan Gronkowski (center) and Rob Gronkowski (right) in the family room on the sixth floor of Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Rob Gronkowski (left) helps Jonathan Mastriano, 14 (right), show off the young man’s newly autographed jersey, which the football star signed after learning Jonathan wore it while watching the Super Bowl from his hospital room.

Rob Gronkowski (left) shows his excitement after receiving a piece of framed art created by a hospital patient after it’s presented to him by Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital (right).

Hasbro Children’s Hospital staff and Child Life Specialists enjoy a moment with members of the Gronkowski family during their visit to the hospital on February 13.

Continuing their company’s national commitment to children’s health, local representatives from Spirit Halloween presented Hasbro Children’s Hospital leadership with a donation of $76,269 on Monday, February 12.

The funds raised were the result of Spirit Halloween’s “Spirit of Children” program, which was created to support children’s hospitals with much needed funding. Local area Spirit Halloween locations earmarked their funds to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Child Life department.

“No child comes through our doors without being a little scared, and our Child Life team is simply amazing at helping to make the hospital as fun and pleasant a place as possible,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Spirit Halloween and their customers are invaluable partners in our work and we are grateful for their ongoing support. It truly makes a difference in the lives of the children we care for.”

Beginning in mid-September and continuing through the end of October, customers who purchased their costumes and Halloween décor at local Spirit Halloween stores were given two opportunities to support Hasbro Children’s. In addition to offering a coupon for 10 percent off their purchase —which Spirit donates back to the hospital — customers are invited to make a voluntary donation while checking out.

The Hasbro Children’s Hospital Child Life department works to provide young patients with a sense of normalcy during hospitalization by engaging in play, storytelling, arts and crafts, and music. Certified Child Life Specialists also help to educate patients and their families about a child’s illness and what to expect during a test or procedure in non-scary ways.

“We are extremely proud to partner with Hasbro Children’s Hospital and support the work of Child Life through the generosity of our local Spirit Halloween stores, customers and business partners,” said Richard Tereo, Director of Corporate Administration, Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. “It is an honor to be able to help Child Life Specialists provide therapeutic healing for children and their families while doctors and nurses focus on medical treatment.”

Since 2011, “Spirit of Children” has raised more than $335,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Overall, the program has generated in excess of $45 million for 130 hospitals across the United States and Canada.

Representatives from Spirit Halloween (center) join members of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital development and Child Life teams to celebrate Spirit’s $76,269 donation to the hospital. One-hundred percent of the gift will support Child Life.

Left to right: Spirit Halloween’s Dawn Martin, Zone Manager; Kieran Meehan, District Manager; and Jenny Zilka, Attleboro Store Manager, show off a piece of artwork created by a hospital patient and given to them as a sign of thanks for their generous support.

Hasbro Children’s Hospital was bustling with superheroes on Monday, November 20, when our friends from Dunkin’ Donuts and their The Joy in Childhood Foundation made a special visit to bring joy to hospitalized kids.

Joined by Governor Gina M. Raimondo and hospital leadership, Dunkin’ Donuts and its charitable foundation presented Starlight “Brave Gowns” to patients, putting smiles on the faces of young children and their families. By replacing traditional hospital garments with comfortable, brightly-colored gowns, pediatric patients are transformed into astronauts, princesses, cowboys, and other characters. The end result is a little fun and laughter during an otherwise difficult time.

“We are so grateful to Dunkin’ Donuts, The Joy in Childhood Foundation, and everyone who helped to make this special day possible for our patients. It’s one I know they’ll never forget,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, President of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Being in the hospital is never easy, but with the help of these wonderful ‘Brave Gowns,’ our youngest patients will be able to forget for a short time why they are here and simply be kids.”

In addition to receiving “Brave Gowns,” patients were treated to a special doughnut-decorating activity by Rick Golden, the Manager of Donut Excellence on Dunkin’ Donuts’ national culinary team. Held in the Dunkin’ Donuts Family Room on the hospital’s sixth floor, patients had a great time personalizing their own doughnuts with a variety of colorful toppings and Dunkin’s signature frostings.

Dunkin’ Donuts and its local franchisees are long-time supporters of Hasbro Children’s Hospital. From Iced Coffee Day to the hospital’s annual Radiothon and many initiatives in between, their unwavering generosity to the area’s leading pediatric hospital totals nearly $2 million dollars. This year, The Joy in Childhood Foundation will deliver 10,000 “Brave Gowns” to children’s hospitals nationwide.

Rhode Island Hospital, the principal teaching hospital of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the state’s only Level 1 Trauma Center, today announced the appointment of seven new members to its Foundation Board of Governors.

Members of the Board of Governors are volunteer ambassadors for the hospital and leaders in the community. They focus on enhancing philanthropic support and partnerships with individuals, families, businesses, and foundations to benefit Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Christopher Buchanan is Director of Public Affairs and State and Local Government Relations for the New England region for Walmart Stores and Sam’s Club. He joined the company in 2000. Chris also manages the company’s media relations, and is Chairman of its Foundation Philanthropic State Giving Councils. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Providence College.

Anne Marie Johnson joined The Claflin Company in 1978 and was appointed its President and COO in 2016. Specializing in operational and administrative business processes of distribution and supply chain efficiencies, Anne Marie serves on the steering committee of the Health Industry Distributor Association (HIDA) for the industry’s improvement initiative, “Pricing Accuracy.” She is also a member of its Educational Foundation to advance research and analytics in healthcare. Anne Marie is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island.

Philip Morin retired following a career of more than four decades in the plastics industry. During retirement, he has dedicated much of his time to volunteering. In 2011, Philip’s wife, Phyllis, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma and the Lifespan Cancer Institute at Rhode Island Hospital became their primary resource for care and treatment. Following his wife’s passing in 2012, Philip became an advocate for brain tumor research. He holds an MBA from the University of Hartford, and a BS degree in Plastics Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Kate Murphy is a Vice President in the Providence office of Regan Communications Group, the largest privately-held public relations agency in New England. With more than 15 years of PR experience, Kate manages a variety of Regan’s hospitality and corporate accounts, focusing on community and media relations, event coordination, and consumer outreach. A graduate of Providence College, Kate is an active member of the Junior League of Rhode Island, serving as co-chair of the Community Outreach committee to support young people aging out of the foster care system.

Kevin Murphy, Esquire, co-founded the Hatch Entrepreneurial Center in downtown Providence in 2013 at the same time he established the Law Offices of Kevin B. Murphy. Early in his career, Attorney Murphy obtained a Legal Fellowship in Washington, D.C., working for U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI). He also served as judicial clerk for the Honorable Maureen McKenna Goldberg, Justice of the RI Supreme Court. Kevin later joined Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB (HLIB) and also worked for Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C. A graduate of Providence College, Kevin is the creator of the superhero character known as “Hope Man,” who attends community events and spreads messages of goodwill throughout the state.

Tricia S. O’Neil, CFA, is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor and Family Wealth Director at Morgan Stanley. Her work focuses on developing investment strategies for high net worth individuals. Prior to her role with Morgan Stanley, Tricia worked with BNY Mellon/The Providence Group. In addition to her volunteer leadership role with Rhode Island Hospital, Tricia also serves on the Board of Directors of Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education (RISE), and is a Past-President of RISE.

Maureen Soutter has been working in the Pharmaceutical Industry for the past 25-years. Deeply committed to the community, Maureen has served on the Board of Directors of the Barrington Preservation Society, and has been a Parent Agent at The Pomfret School in Connecticut. Currently, Maureen is an active volunteer with the Providence Preservation Society in support of their annual gala and other fundraising efforts. She has been active with Hasbro Children’s Hospital for the past 18-years.

For several years, Viti Mercedes-Benz has donated the net proceeds of its golf tournament, held at the prestigious New Seabury Country Club on Cape Cod, to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In total, the dealership has raised a total of $60,000.

A colorful cross between a princess and a 1980s aerobics instructor, 6-year-old Sienna Barron flashed quite the smile after donning her new costume.

For patients at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, a taste of Halloween came a bit early this year when our friends from Spirit Halloween made a special visit to the hospital on Thursday, October 12.

Complete with costumes to keep, “spooky” arts and crafts activities, face painting and pumpkin painting, the afternoon of fun was part of the company’s “Spirit of Children” activities.

From the Tomorrow Fund Clinic to our playrooms on the 4th and 5th floors, Spirit volunteers—the Halloween experts—spread joy to patients for nearly two-hours, helping them forget, even for a short time, that they’re in the hospital.

Spirit Halloween has long been a supporter of Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In addition to hosting annual Halloween parties, the company organizes in-store fundraiser each year, and has raised more than $261,000 for the hospital to date.

Child Life Specialist Kelsey Mullen (left) and 4-year-old Isabelle Handley smile at each other while trying out the special photo cut-outs brought to the hospital by Spirit Halloween volunteers.

Kristen Steiner (right) of Hasbro Children’s Hospital helps an excited Isabelle Handley put on accessories to the Halloween costume she picked out for herself.

Proving that Halloween is fun no matter your age, Child Life Specialist Kelsey Mullen tried on a playful mask at the encouragement of her patients.

Lifespan, Rhode Island’s first health system, is a comprehensive, integrated, academic health system affiliated with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.